Chapter 72
Asher
Fenris doesn’t acknowledge the greeting, instead fixing his gaze on something beyond the Alpha’s shoulder. I follow his line of sight to a display of ancient-looking weapons mounted on the wall inside—ceremonial, but deadly nonetheless.
There is blood. Fresh. Not even a day old.
My nostrils flare, but I can’t pick up any scent.
Merrick’s eyes drift over our party, dismissing Evan and Jasper almost immediately before pausing on Victoria with a distinct frown. Then he settles his attention on Wolf-Eye, his lips thinning. Not quite hostile, but… something. “I see your beta has dressed for the occasion p>
Wolf-Eye inclines his head. “I believe in respecting local customs, Alpha Merrick p>
“Indeed.” The Fiddleback Alpha’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “And the others are p>
“My warlock,” I say, nodding toward Jasper, who shrinks further into himself. “And a wolf from Blue Mountain p>
“Ah.” A flash of recognition crosses Merrick’s face as he looks at Evan. “From the rumors. You have our condolences p>
Evan says nothing, his posture rigid.
The alpha steps aside, allowing us entry into a vast open space with vaulted ceilings and tables draped in white linens. The room buzzes with at least fifty wolves, all in formal attire, watching us. A string quartet plays in the corner, though the music falters as the musicians notice our arrival. They’re all human.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Merrick says, gesturing to the gathering, “but word of your visit spread quickly. Many were eager to pay their respects p>
As if he didn’t spread the word himself. My lips quirk. I’m sure he’s assembled his entire inner circle, possibly his full pack hierarchy. It is interesting he could call in so many on such short notice.
They’re either incredibly loyal… or deeply afraid of their alpha.
“My pack takes pride in our efficiency,” he adds, as if reading my thoughts.
A server, also human, appears with champagne flutes on a silver tray. I wave them away with a sharp gesture. Merrick takes one, sipping delicately.
“I was hoping for a private discussion,” I say.
“Of course, High Alpha. After dinner.” His smile tightens. “But surely you understand—it would be an insult to deprive my pack of the chance to honor your presence p>
Merrick raises his glass in a grand gesture, eyes searching the crowd in a manner I can only describe as practiced theater. “Tonight, we celebrate an unprecedented honor—the presence of the Lycan King himself p>
A chorus of approval ripples through the attendees. I nod once, sharply, refusing to play this game of ceremonial adoration. The music swells slightly as conversation resumes, and Merrick guides us deeper into the gathering.
My jaw’s already clenched with the anticipation of holding my temper at bay for an hour or more.
“Might I introduce some of our most esteemed members, High Alpha p>
I say nothing, which he takes as permission.
Within minutes, I’m surrounded by eager Fiddleback wolves, each desperate for a sliver of my attention. Some bow deeply, others attempt conversation with rehearsed questions about Lycan territory. I answer in clipped sentences when required, my attention split between the sycophants and Fenris’s increasing agitation.
He’s surrounded by his own adulating fans, and I can feel his temptation to disperse.
Something’s wrong here, he says, sounding confused. Something smells strange.
A quick glance behind me shows Jasper nervously hovering by Evan’s side. The latter looks bored, and his dark eyes meet mine with the faintest hint of defiance before he lowers his gaze in deference.
Bastard.
Maybe I should have just killed him after all.
Violet is comfortable with me now. Killing off a pesky brat like this one shouldn’t scare her.
Don’t even think about it.
Fighting the urge to bare my teeth at Fenris’s snappy demand, I turn my attention to the next obsequious Fiddleback.
The gathering appears normal on the surface—formal attire, respectable conversation, an appropriate amount of deference. But Fenris is right. Something’s… strange.
“Such an honor, High Alpha.” A woman in her fifties squeezes between two men to reach me. “I’m Carla. I head the treasury p>
I barely acknowledge her with a nod before another pushes forward.
“Michael, medical coordinator. We have excellent facilities. Should your companion require anything beyond what the human hospital can provide p>
My upper lip curls back. “My mate’s care is not your concern p>
His face pales. “Of course, High Alpha. I apologize p>
Wolf-Eye materializes at my side; he’s been schmoozing in his own way. Now, his expression is neutral but his eyes are sharp. “High Alpha, perhaps you’d care to see the outdoor terrace? The view is rather impressive p>
I follow his suggestion, grateful for the momentary reprieve. The terrace stretches along the back of the building, overlooking a manicured garden. Subtle ground lighting provides elegant ambience, completely wasted on two Lycans.
The night air is humid, but still easier to breathe in than the stifling formality of this banquet.
“Your patience is commendable,” Wolf-Eye murmurs, low enough that only I can hear. “Though I suspect it’s running thin p>
“This circus serves no purpose.” My fingers drum against the stone balustrade. “I need to get back to Violet.” But I can’t. Not until I figure out what’s going on beneath the surface of this pack.
“I understand.” He nods toward the gardens below. “Note the security cameras. Four on this terrace alone, another six surrounding the perimeter p>
My eyes narrow as I follow his gaze, spotting each one easily. “Excessive p>
“Indeed. Especially for a pack that claims such harmony with its human neighbors p>
The doors to the terrace swing open, and Merrick emerges. Fenris slinks in from behind. He’s agitated, hackles up as he snaps at the air.
Thankfully, his ill temper is legendary among the packs. An agitated Fenris shouldn’t put anyone on too high of an alert.
Still…
Behave, I warn him.
He sneezes.
“High Alpha, I hope the banquet meets your expectations.” Merrick joins us at the railing, champagne still in hand. “We pride ourselves on balancing traditional pack values with modern amenities p>
I incline my head. “Interesting priorities p>
He chuckles as if I’ve made a joke. “Evolution is necessary for survival, wouldn’t you agree? Even for wolves p>
Something clicks into place as I consider his words, and I turn to survey the room through the giant glass doors.